PODCAST

November 30th, 2016

Jesus’ picture of the kingdom of God is so different from what His disciples expected, and, frankly, what we too often expect. We often envision the kingdom as something out there, something we can see. Jesus quashes all that: “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst” (vv. 20-21).

We want something we can see and hold on to. Lot and his family were commanded, “Flee for your lives! Don’t look back!” (Genesis 19:17; see vv. 1-29). Their kingdom, Sodom, was being destroyed for its great wickedness. Lot’s wife, when faced with trust in God’s word for an unseen future, looked back to the familiar and quickly passing to her own destruction.

We are called to a kingdom: a kingdom within us, upon us, and awaiting us. A kingdom not of this world, fulfilled in the revelation of the Son of Man.

Don’t look back. Don’t cling to that which is fading. Instead, embrace that which will be preserved forever!